High-Throughput Electrochemistry: State of the Art, Challenges, and Perspective

Abstract

Electrochemical transformations involve complex parameter interactions, ranging from universal chemistry variables such as solvent and reagents to specialist factors including electrode material and current density. Hence, the development of a robust and scale-independent electrochemical reaction can currently be a challenge. High-throughput experimentation (HTE) is an enabling method for reaction optimization and robustness testing. Here we provide an industrial and academic perspective on the state of the art of the combination of HTE with electrochemical reaction optimization for applications, including scale-up. We then present our vision for a future in which HTE reduces barriers to wide adoption of electrochemistry across the field of chemical synthesis.

Photons or Electrons? A Critical Comparison of Electrochemistry and Photoredox Catalysis for Organic Synthesis

“…We also note important contributions by Yudin in developing a 16-well parallel electrochemical setup for parallel electrosynthesis on ∼1 mmol scale . Parallel reactor setups were also latter reported by Toshiki and Atsushi (5 reactions, ∼1 mmol scale) and Waldvogel (8 reactions, ∼1 mmol scale), as well as others . Beeler and Stephenson individually reported microfluidic-based screening platforms for screening photochemical reactions.…”

“…399 Parallel reactor setups were also latter reported by Toshiki and Atsushi (5 reactions, ∼1 mmol scale) 400 and Waldvogel (8 reactions, ∼1 mmol scale), 401 as well as others. 402 Beeler 403 and Stephenson 404 individually reported microfluidic-based screening platforms for screening photochemical reactions.…”

Working at the interfaces of data science and synthetic electrochemistry

“…Currently, large datasets in electrochemistry that vary multiple parameters like electrode type, electrolyte, and additives are non-existent [ 52 ]. Notwithstanding this limitation, pioneering efforts in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s made headway towards a simple HTE setup for electrochemistry [ 53 ].…”

Catalytic Furfural/5-Hydroxymethyl Furfural Oxidation to Furoic Acid/Furan-2,5-dicarboxylic Acid with H2 Production Using Alkaline Water as the Formal Oxidant

“…Recent reports have elegantly coupled H 2 production from water with biomass oxidation to (photo)­electrochemically produce H 2 and furoic acid/FDCA from water and furfural/HMF mixture (Figure C). − These photoelectrochemical systems, however, require advanced specialized materials and can be challenging to rationally improve. Besides, their large-scale implementation can be difficult because of the need for sophisticated infrastructures and low working concentrations …”

“…Besides, their large-scale implementation can be difficult because of the need for sophisticated infrastructures and low working concentrations. 41 In contrast to the explored heterogeneous, biological, enzymatic, and (photo)electrochemical processes, catalytic homogeneous systems for furfural and HMF oxidation are extremely limited. The use of well-defined homogeneous complexes for furfural/HMF oxidation is challenging because of the facile substrate decomposition pathways at high temperatures in alkaline/aerobic conditions leading to the formation of polymeric products (Figure 1D).…”